Chapter 77: Entering Advanced Class 1
Instead of sleeping, Yan Zhen spent the night cultivating in the Crystal Stone Space, consuming a Small Origin(Primordial) Pill and meditating alongside his Beautiful Sect Master.
Now that he possessed Spiritual Power and had mastered Spiritual Perception, he attempted “inner vision” under Chen Xi’s guidance.
He could see his Mystic Power within his dantian, swirling strands of energy coalescing around a central core, resembling the atomic models he had seen in physics textbooks.
To advance in star rank, he needed to integrate more Mystic Power into this swirling mass. The further from the core, the more difficult it became, as the energy strands resisted forming a stable, cyclical flow.
However, this wasn’t a significant obstacle for someone with Spiritual Power. As long as his Mystic Power and Spiritual Power reserves were sufficient, he could theoretically reach the Ninth Star in one go.
Of course, this was just a theory. In reality, there were limits to what a human body could withstand. Unless, of course, you weren’t quite human anymore.
After a night of dedicated cultivation, Yan Zhen could sense a slight improvement in his cultivation. At this rate, he would reach the Seventh Star Mystic One rank within a month.
Reluctantly ending his cultivation session, he left the Crystal Stone Space. After washing up, he made his way to the dining room.
Instructor Yu Xuan and Yan Meng’er were preparing breakfast.
Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu sat together at the table. At the furthest end sat… Xiao Xinyan. The atmosphere between the two groups was frosty, but there were no glares exchanged. They simply pretended the other didn’t exist.
Mi Xue’er and Yan Ruyu chatted animatedly, their conversation revolving around the new summer products released by the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce. Xiao Xinyan, on the other hand, was engrossed in a book, her cheeks flushed, her expression focused. It seemed she had recovered from yesterday’s ordeal.
Yan Zhen paused.
*Right, she’s staying here for a few days.*
Seeing him enter, Mi Xue’er greeted him with even more enthusiasm than usual. “Good morning, Little Brother Yan Zhen!”
“Good morning,” he replied casually. “You’re all up early today.”
Usually, they wouldn’t appear until breakfast was ready.
“Well, starting today, you’ll be an Advanced Class student, Little Brother Yan Zhen. We won’t be in the same class anymore. The only time we’ll see you is during meals. So naturally, we have to cherish every moment.” Mi Xue’er’s tone was dramatic, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed at him with feigned melancholy. “I won’t be able to hear you call me ‘Senior Sister’ anymore… How about you just call me ‘Sister’ from now on?”
Yan Ruyu swatted her arm playfully. *Calling her “Sister” would make them closer than actual cousins!*
— *Pfft.*
A deliberate snort, laced with mockery, came from the other end of the table.
Mi Xue’er glared at Xiao Xinyan but didn’t rise to the bait.
Yan Zhen smiled faintly. “I can still call you ‘Senior Sister’ even after I move to the Advanced Class. After all, you’re three years older than me.”
Mi Xue’er’s annoyance melted away at his sweet smile. She covered her flushed cheeks with her hands. “Oh, Little Brother Yan Zhen, you’re so sweet! I want to marry you!”
Yan Ruyu rolled her eyes at her friend. *Honestly, Xue’er! She has no filter!*
— *Heh.*
Xiao Xinyan’s voice again, this time muffled by the book she was holding, but the taunt was clear.
She had been surprisingly well-behaved before Yan Zhen’s arrival. The moment he appeared, however, she seemed determined to make her presence known.
Mi Xue’er slammed her hand on the table and stood up. “Hey, Xiao Xinyan! What’s that supposed to mean?!”
Xiao Xinyan lowered her book, revealing her carefully made-up face. “I laughed while reading. Is that a problem?”
“You’re laughing while reading Mystic Technique cultivation notes? You should have died from laughter by now!”
“Hmph, mind your own business.”
“Alright, Xue’er, calm down.” Yan Ruyu pulled her friend back down into her seat. She turned to Xiao Xinyan, her tone sharp. “You should watch your tongue. You’re a guest in this house. This kind of behavior is only making things difficult for Instructor Yu Xuan.”
Xiao Xinyan’s smug expression faltered. She glanced at Yan Zhen, only to find him staring at her with an exasperated look. Flustered, she hid her face behind her book, lapsing into silence.
By the time Instructor Yu Xuan and Yan Meng’er arrived with breakfast, the cheerful atmosphere had been restored.
After breakfast, they set off for the academy, their group now one member larger, attracting even more attention than usual.
“Is that Yan Zhen? The one who defeated Lan Ke, a Ninth Star Mystic One, while he was only at the Sixth Star? And took his place on the Nine Star Rank? He’s amazing!”
“A Sixth Star Mystic One reaching the third position on the Nine Star Rank? That’s never happened before in the history of the academy! What the hell?!”
“No wonder he’s involved with all four academy flowers. Damn lucky bastard! I’m so jealous!”
“Wait, isn’t that the Xiao family’s eldest daughter with them? Why is *she* with Yan Zhen?”
“Xiao Xinyan is also Instructor Yu Xuan’s student. It’s not unusual for them to walk together. But watch what you say. You don’t want to get beaten up. She might be pretty, but she’s not as nice as the other four.”
“You mean… she’ll stomp on you with her beautiful feet? Will she? *Slurp*…”
“…”
— *Dude, seriously? Get a grip.*
Yan Zhen was speechless.
*I often feel out of place because I’m not perverted enough.*
At the academy gates, their group split up.
Yan Meng’er went to the Beginner Class.
Yan Ruyu and Mi Xue’er went to the Intermediate Class.
Instructor Yu Xuan, accompanied by Yan Zhen and an unusually quiet Xiao Xinyan, headed towards the Advanced Class building.
“Yan Zhen, after careful consideration, the instructors have decided to place you in Class 1. You’ll be in the same class as Xiao Mie and Xinyan.”
Yan Zhen nodded.
There were only three Advanced Classes. Xiao Mie led Class 1, Yu Yue led Class 2, and Lan Ke had been in charge of Class 3. Each instructor had a top student, maintaining a certain balance.
However, his arrival would disrupt this equilibrium. He had defeated Lan Ke and was considered a rival to Xiao Mie, one of the academy’s top students.
Placing him in Class 1 was clearly a strategic move, pitting him against Xiao Mie and using their rivalry to hone their skills, pushing them both to reach their full potential.
Yan Zhen wasn’t opposed to this arrangement. In fact, it suited him perfectly.
Once he reached the Seventh Star Mystic One rank, he would challenge Xiao Mie!
…
When they arrived at the Class 1 classroom, the instructor was already present.
The instructor for Advanced Class 1 was none other than Xiao Mie’s mentor, a square-jawed, middle-aged man named Fang.
Instructor Fang placed his hands on his hips and scrutinized Yan Zhen. He chuckled. “A Six Star defeating a Nine Star, eh? You’re quite the talent, kid. Instructor Yu Xuan has a good eye. But my Xiao Mie is no slouch. Defeating him won’t be easy.”
Instructor Yu Xuan smiled gently, patting Yan Zhen’s head. “I believe Yan Zhen can do it.”
Yan Zhen blushed, and Instructor Fang laughed heartily. “Still shy, eh? That won’t do! A man should stand tall and be confident!” He clapped Yan Zhen on the shoulder, his grip firm.
After Instructor Yu Xuan departed, Instructor Fang led Yan Zhen into the classroom and instructed him to introduce himself to his new classmates.
Yan Zhen cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the students before him. In a loud, clear voice, he declared, “Young City Lord of Martial Tang City, Yan Zhen, sixteen years old, Sixth Star Mystic One, soon to be Seventh Star. Anyone who wants to spar, I’m always up for a challenge!”
The class: (oへo╬)
Xiao Mie: (￣ー￣)
Xiao Xinyan: (。oˇˇo。)
Instructor Fang: Σ(дlll)
— That little brat… all that shyness in front of Instructor Yu Xuan was an act!
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